Deuce Vaughn Lands a spot with Broncos

The offseason took an unexpected turn for former Dallas Cowboys running back Christopher “Deuce” Vaughn. After being waived by the Cowboys as they slashed their roster to 53 players, Vaughn has found a new opportunity in Denver.

This week, the Denver Broncos signed him to their practice squad, a move that may breathe new life into the former six-round pick's NFL journey. This move comes on the back end of the Broncos’ 20-12 win over the Tennessee Titans.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Vaughn’s story is one of grit and pedigree. His father works as a Cowboys scout, making his selection a full-circle moment full of emotion. During his two seasons in Dallas, Vaughn appeared in 14 games, tallying 110 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards. However, his 5-foot-6 frame has always made his NFL fit a subject of debate.

Dallas eventually opted for bigger backs and younger rookies, which is very typical in the running back room, leaving Vaughn without a place to go. The roster cut left Vaughn asking, “what now?” and the Broncos have provided an answer.

“The #Broncos are signing running back Deuce Vaughn to their practice squad, sources tell @CBSSports,” CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on X on September 9. “The former Kansas State All-American and 2023 sixth-round draft pick spent the last two seasons with the Cowboys. Ran for 42 yards in Dallas’ final preseason game. During his final two college seasons at Kansas State, Vaughn ran for 2,912 yards and accounted for 34 total touchdowns.”

Denver head coach Sean Payton, known for revitalizing undersized playmakers (think Darren Sproles), seems keen on giving Vaughn a fair chance. After a workout with the team last week, the Broncos added him to the practice squad. Vaughn joins a backfield featuring JK Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie, and Jaleel McLaughlin.

The team had no backs on its practice squad before signing him, which could suggest that there is something specific that head coach Payton and the Broncos want to see out of the young playmaker. 

While he's far from guaranteed playing time, a practice squad slot keeps Vaughn in the league. The Broncos have experience with smaller players, and Vaughn is the shortest active player in the NFL right now.

This puts him right in Payton’s wheelhouse (think Taysom Hill) as the former New Orleans Saints head coach tries to make what he produced there happen in Denver.